TFL Policies for Commanders

Establishing a tobacco free work force and tobacco free campuses demonstrates a commitment to a system of health in support of the Department of Defense goal for tobacco free installations by 2020 and reflects the strategic directives in the National Prevention Strategy and Healthy People 2020. Tobacco free living initiatives establish the foundation for the irreversible momentum to transform the Army culture from tobacco permissive to tobacco free.

Tobacco Use and the Affordable Care Act The Affordable Care Act requires most private insurance plans to cover tobacco cessation screening treatments, including medications that help people quit smoking. The law also expands smoking cessation coverage for pregnant women who receive Medicaid, and provides Medicare beneficiaries with tobacco use cessation counseling and an annual wellness visit that includes personalized prevention plan services such as referrals for tobacco cessation services.

STAND-TO! Edition: November 18, 2013 Tobacco Cessation and Tobacco-Free Living Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease and degrades the health and readiness of Soldiers and the Army family. Tobacco cessation and tobacco-free living programs support the Army Surgeon General's Performance Triad initiative and Department of Defense goal for tobacco-free installations by year 2020. The Army's goal is to transform itself from a culture that tolerates smoking and tobacco use to an Army that supports disease prevention, healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices.

Installation commanders and medical activity commanders will cooperate to establish and enforce tobacco free medical campuses (TFMCs) that include: (1) Any property or non-residential building that is operated, maintained or assigned to support medical activities, including but not limited to hospitals, medical laboratories, outpatient clinics (including medical, dental, and veterinary facilities), or aid stations operating for the primary purpose of delivering medical care and services for DOD eligible beneficiaries and /or meeting the mission of the Army Medical Command. (2) All other facilities in which medical activities or administration take place. (3) All internal roadways, sidewalks and parking lots. (4) All sidewalks, parking lots and grounds external but adjacent to the building or related to the migratory corridors surrounding the medical facility.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) can contain just as much or even more nicotine than tobacco cigarettes. E-cigarette cartridges may also contain harmful products and are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a smoking-cessation aid.

This Web site provides an introduction to the Army Public Health Center, a U.S. Army Medical Department organization. It is intended for interested members of the public, news media, and Army Medical Department professionals and beneficiaries.